Riding a motorcycle requires focus, coordination, and quick reflexes to operate safely. Mixing drugs or alcohol with riding can impair your abilities and judgment, putting yourself and others in danger. This is especially true when it comes to marijuana use. While attitudes towards cannabis are changing across the U.S., it remains illegal in Nebraska. Riding under the influence carries serious legal consequences. More importantly, drugs and motorcycles are a potentially deadly combination.
The Dangers of Riding While Under the Influence
Marijuana use impacts the skills needed to ride a motorcycle safely. THC impairs motor function, reaction time, coordination, focus, and judgment. Just like drunk driving, riding under the influence of cannabis increases your risk of crashing. Studies show marijuana use doubles the risk of being involved in a fatal motorcycle accident. Being high on a bike is extremely dangerous for several reasons:
- Slower reaction time – THC alters your perception of time and distances. You may not brake or swerve quickly enough to avoid hazards and collisions.
- Decreased coordination – Marijuana use impacts balance and motor control. Operating a motorcycle requires precise movements and body positioning. Riding while high reduces your ability to balance, steer, and shift gears properly.
- Impaired judgment – Cannabis impairs cognitive function and good judgment. You may go too fast, make risky moves, or ride beyond your abilities. Overconfidence and thrill-seeking also increase while high.
- Distracted riding – Being high can make it harder to concentrate and multitask. You may overlook or ignore hazards and traffic signals. Maintaining focus is critical for motorcycle safety.
These effects make riding under the influence so dangerous. Motorcyclists already face higher risks on the road. Mixing cannabis and riding dramatically increases your chance of an accident.
Riding While High is Illegal in Nebraska
Marijuana laws are complex and evolving across different states. However, cannabis remains illegal for recreational use in Nebraska. Riding a motorcycle while impaired by any drug is against the law. Here’s what you need to know:
- It’s illegal to ride with any detectable level of marijuana or active THC in your system. Police can test for impairment using field sobriety tests, blood tests, or urinalysis.
- A DUI conviction results in fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Penalties for riding while high are similar to DUIs involving alcohol.
- You can face additional charges like reckless driving, vehicular assault, or manslaughter if you cause an accident while high. These carry severe criminal penalties.
Law enforcement statewide is cracking down on riding while impaired by cannabis or other drugs. MADD and other groups are also lobbying for stricter laws against riding under the influence. With potential fines, charges, and license suspension, it’s simply not worth the risk.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Mix Marijuana and Motorcycles
Marijuana clearly impairs the ability to operate a motorcycle safely. No matter your views on cannabis legalization, riding under the influence remains extremely dangerous and illegal. If you use marijuana, plan an alternate ride home. Never operate any vehicle while impaired.
The risks aren’t worth the “high.” A momentary thrill is not worth losing your license, bike, freedom, health, or life in an accident. Wait to legally and safely enjoy marijuana after you’re done riding for the day. Consume cannabis responsibly once you are safely at home.
Riding a motorcycle takes skill, coordination, and good judgment. Maintain your riding abilities by staying sober and focused. Keep health risks and Nebraska laws in mind. Make smart choices before getting on your bike. Never mix motorcycles and marijuana.
Riding after using marijuana puts you and others at risk. Talk to your riding partners about the dangers of drug use. Support each other in making safe, sober choices before hitting the road. Consider joining a motorcycle club or group that promotes sober riding and brotherhood. Surround yourself with riders who reinforce smart choices when it comes to drug use and motorcycle safety.
Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a collision with a motorcyclist who was riding under the influence, consult a motorcycle accident attorney immediately. A lawyer from Monge & Associates can advise you on your options and legal rights. You may be able to recover damages from the at-fault rider. An attorney from Monge & Associates can guide you through filing insurance claims, police reports, and potential lawsuits. They understand motorcycle accident laws and can build the strongest case for any lost wages, medical bills, vehicle damage, and other costs you incur.
Don’t try to handle the legal complexities alone. Call an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer from Monge & Associates right away for help after any crash with an impaired rider.
We have offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Nebraska, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
Call now for a free consultation at (888) 477-0597 if you’ve been injured in a crash with a motorcyclist you suspect was under the influence of drugs. We can help!